Tillman trying to maintain roll and stop Orioles' skid

Orioles starter Chris Tillman has retired the first six Rays he's faced tonight on 23 pitches. Four ground balls and two fly balls. The first two innings have been a challenge for Tillman this season. He's permitted 19 runs in the first and 17 in the second. By winning his 10th game on Tuesday, Tillman became the first Orioles pitcher to notch 10 or more victories in consecutive seasons since Jeremy Guthrie from 2008 to 2010. Tillman is 5-1 with a 2.23 ERA and 10 quality starts over his last 12 outings since June 22. He's allowed three earned runs or fewer in his last 14 starts. In Tillman's last five starts, the Orioles have outscored their opponents 30-12. Maybe he's the remedy for the offensive malaise. The Orioles had three hits in their last 16 innings before Adam Jones singled tonight with two outs in the first. Nelson Cruz flied out to end the inning. Cruz has three hits in his last 27 at-bats, all home runs. Nick Markakis struck out to lead off the inning. He's now hitless in his last 21 at-bats to lower his average to .285. The Orioles have gone 30-19 (.612) against the American League East, the best in-division winning percentage in the league. The Orioles are 15-5 at home since June 30 after going 19-21 in their first 40 games at Camden Yards. They've outscored opponents 96-61 in their last 20 home games. Earlier today, Triple-A Norfolk's Mike Wright was named International League Pitcher of the Week after coming within a strike of a no-hitter. Single-A Frederick left-hander Steven Brault was named Carolina League Pitcher of the Week after allowing one hit in six scoreless innings Thursday in his Keys debut.